Last Updated on 19 January, 2025
If you’re looking for some fresh nail inspiration with a touch of nostalgia, retro nail designs are the way to go.
Whether you’re into groovy swirls, bold ‘70s hues, or quirky florals, there’s something about vintage-inspired nails that instantly elevate your manicure game.
Let’s dive into what makes a nail design “retro” and explore ten stunning nail looks to inspire your next salon visit.


What Is Retro Style?
Retro style is all about bringing back trends from past decades, particularly from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Think bold, psychedelic colors, funky abstract shapes, and playful patterns like daisies, waves, and mod prints.
When it comes to nails, retro designs tend to be vibrant, eye-catching, and full of character—perfect for making a statement.

Retro Nail Design Ideas
1. Pastel Swirl Tips on Square Nails
This design is a chic, modern take on the retro French manicure. The nails are painted in a soft pink nude base, while the tips feature a groovy swirl pattern in pastel shades of blue, pink, orange, and white.
The squared-off shape keeps it edgy, while the combination of colors gives it a dreamy, ‘70s vibe.

2. Almond Nails with Soft Sunset Waves
For a softer take on retro nails, these almond-shaped beauties feature a wavy pattern in warm hues of peach, coral, and sky blue.
The negative space detailing makes the colors pop, giving it a sophisticated yet playful look. Perfect for summer or a vacation-ready manicure.

3. Blue and Orange Wavy Nails
Channeling serious ‘70s disco energy, these medium-length oval nails are painted in a light blue base with thick, curvy waves in vibrant orange and yellow. The fluid design adds movement, while the color contrast makes it bold yet wearable.

4. Psychedelic Rainbow Abstract Nails
If you love maximalist designs, this one’s for you. These short, round nails are covered in a mix of neon pink, orange, blue, yellow, and green, with abstract blobs and waves.
The different color placements on each nail give them a fun, artsy vibe, reminiscent of ‘60s psychedelic prints.

5. Groovy Daisy Nails on Almond Shape
Nothing says retro like daisies! These almond-shaped nails have a clear nude base with multicolored wavy lines in red, blue, yellow, and orange.
Adding to the vintage charm, white daisies are painted across the nails, making it the perfect mix of playful and chic.

6. Deep Green and Gold Retro Waves
If you prefer a moodier take on retro nails, these deep green beauties are perfect. The glossy base is complemented by bold, colorful waves in orange, blue, and gold glitter.
The rich color palette feels luxurious while still maintaining that vintage aesthetic.

7. Short Nails with ‘70s Floral Design
For those who love shorter nails, this dark and moody retro floral design is a standout. The nails are painted in a deep gray shade, with accent nails featuring bold, four-petal flowers in warm orange and yellow tones. This design screams vintage sophistication with a hint of funk.

8. Sunset Gradient Half-Moon Nails
These almond-shaped nails embrace the classic half-moon manicure with a retro twist. The nude base transitions into a fiery orange, yellow, and red gradient along the tips, mimicking a dreamy sunset. The soft glossy finish gives it a polished, elegant look.

9. Hot Pink and Orange Groovy Swirls
If you’re into bold, vibrant designs, these pink and orange swirls are perfect. The almond nails feature a mix of wavy lines in neon pink, coral, and creamy nude for an ultra-feminine, retro-chic aesthetic. Ideal for summer or a fun night out.

10. Pink & Purple Daisy Dream Nails
Bringing major ‘60s flower power, these oval nails feature a clear base with wavy pink and purple stripes, tiny black polka dots, and delicate white daisies. It’s the perfect mix of bold and feminine, making it a must-try for vintage lovers.

11. Hippie Van & Peace Sign Nails
These almond-shaped nails are a full-on ‘70s throwback, featuring a soft beige base with classic hippie symbols. A retro green and white VW van takes center stage on the middle finger, while a groovy rainbow wave adds movement.
Daisies, a peace sign, a dripping smiley face, and blue flower accents tie everything together for the ultimate nostalgic look. The matte finish gives it an effortlessly cool, vintage feel.

12. Trippy Mushroom & Rainbow Nails
Short, rounded nails become a whimsical masterpiece with a mix of hand-drawn mushrooms, rainbows, and sparkles.
The sheer pink base makes the bold colors pop, with neon yellow, orange, and purple creating a dreamy psychedelic vibe. The intricate detailing and glossy finish make this set perfect for those who love artsy, storybook-like nail designs.

13. Neon Pink & Orange Floral Nails
Nothing says retro like bold daisy prints! These short, square nails feature a soft white base with hand-painted daisies in neon pink and orange.
The delicate black and white dot detailing along the edges enhances the ‘60s mod feel, making this design playful yet sophisticated.

4. Sunset Ombre French Tips
Long, oval nails get a stunning retro upgrade with layered French tips in deep navy, fiery orange, and electric yellow.
The U-shaped design elongates the nails while giving them a hypnotic sunset-inspired effect. The glossy finish adds an ultra-polished touch to this warm, eye-catching look.

15. ‘80s Arcade Matte Nails
This bold set takes inspiration from retro arcade aesthetics, featuring a mix of solid colors and wave designs in red, mustard yellow, teal, and brown.
The matte finish enhances the vibrant hues, while the highlight—an old-school gaming controller—adds a playful nostalgic twist. The mix of short and slightly rounded square nails makes this a fun, statement look.

16. Psychedelic Swirl & Zebra Nails
This eye-catching design blends vibrant rainbow swirls with bold black-and-white zebra prints for a dynamic, groovy aesthetic.
The slightly oval-shaped nails feature neon yellow, blue, pink, and green wavy patterns that stand out against the clear base.
The contrast between the colors and the monochrome zebra print makes this manicure a must-try for lovers of all things bold and funky.

17. Rainbow Daisy Nails
Short, square nails get a delicate yet colorful makeover with a glossy nude base and soft rainbow beams stretching from the cuticles.
Each beam fades into a different shade of pink, orange, blue, and yellow, finishing with tiny white daisies at the top. This simple yet effective design is perfect for those who love a subtle but playful nod to retro aesthetics.

18. Vintage Floral Short Nails
Bringing back ‘70s wallpaper vibes, these short, square nails feature a creamy off-white base with tiny daisy motifs in burnt orange, mustard yellow, and teal.
The slightly muted tones give this set a nostalgic, homey feel, while the pop of bright blue adds a modern twist.

19. Matte Groovy Swirls
These almond-shaped nails are all about bold, organic curves in pink, green, orange, and brown. The abstract, wavy patterns are a direct nod to ‘70s interior design trends, giving the nails an effortlessly cool, retro-modern look.
The matte finish enhances the smoothness of the swirls, making them perfect for those who love a statement manicure with a vintage twist.

20. Celestial Sunshine Nails
A dreamy combination of day and night elements, this almond-shaped set features cheerful sunbursts, crescent moons, and twinkling stars in a colorful palette of pink, blue, and yellow.
The hand-painted details bring a whimsical feel, making these nails the perfect choice for those who love bohemian and cosmic-inspired designs.

21. Groovy Swirls with Daisies
These almond-shaped nails bring a fresh take on ‘70s-inspired swirls, blending bright pink, electric blue, fiery orange, and soft peach.
The wavy patterns create a sense of movement, while delicate white daisies add a charming retro touch. A sheer nude base allows the vibrant colors to pop, making this design both bold and feminine with a glossy finish.

22. Pastel Rainbow Waves
Short, rounded nails get a dreamy, soft look with a pastel rainbow swirl design. Shades of peach, baby blue, soft green, yellow, and bubblegum pink gracefully flow across the nails, giving them a subtle yet eye-catching effect.
The glossy finish enhances the smooth curves, making this manicure the perfect choice for a fun yet understated retro aesthetic.

23. Psychedelic Bold Swirls
These almond-shaped nails are all about contrast and intensity. A nude base makes way for a mesmerizing swirl pattern in deep navy, bright yellow, fiery orange, and electric blue.
The sharp definition of the curves and the glossy shine create a striking, high-energy ‘70s look that feels both edgy and chic.

24. Oversized Color Block Swirls on Coffin Nails
Long coffin nails serve as the perfect canvas for this oversized swirl design. A nude base keeps the manicure sophisticated, while bold curves of hot pink, sky blue, tangerine, and mint green take center stage.
The high-gloss finish enhances the depth of the colors, making this a statement manicure that embodies maximalist ‘70s glam.

Retro nail designs are the perfect way to add a fun and nostalgic flair to your manicure. Whether you prefer soft pastels, bold waves, or floral accents, these throwback styles offer something for everyone.
So, next time you hit the salon, take inspiration from these vintage-inspired looks and rock a manicure that’s as groovy as it gets!